Do Jade Rollers Actually Work?

If it seems like everyone is talking about jade rollers lately, that’s because they are. But the truth is, jade rollers have been around FOREVER. Here’s what you need to know about the beauty world’s favorite depuffing device.

What Is a Jade Roller Anyway?

It’s almost like a miniature paint roller—but rather than a sponge at the end of the metal handle, there’s an oblong piece of pure jade. Some jade rollers have two ends: one containing a larger sized stone (intended for the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck) and one containing a smaller stone (for the under eyes.)

What Does It Do?

In a nutshell, the roller helps eliminate puffiness—and there’s actually science behind how it works. The roller massages the lymphatic system, which is a network of tissues and organs just below the skin that helps to rid the body of toxins and waste.

“Our face, just like our bodies, can store excess water and be sluggish in the removal of toxins,” explains Dr. Lamees Hamdan, the founder of Shiffa, a luxury skincare line from Dubai. “Massaging the lymphatic system is key to helping our face move the excess water, which causes the puffiness. When lymph is flowing freely in the face, you’ll have clearer, healthier skin without a buildup of toxins and fluids.”

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Even if you’re not convinced that a piece of stone can give you Angelina’s chiseled cheek-bones, there’s also a spiritual component that sways many devotees. Many cultures see jade as a symbol of prosperity, purity, and tranquility—celebrating the stone for its ability to absorb negative energy.

How Do You Use It?

First things first: it should always be used on clean, moisturized skin. Dr. Hamdan recommends starting from your clavicle, then moving to the jawline and neck, followed by the nose, lips, chin, forehead, and finally, ending with the eyes. Also, it’s important to remember that rolling should be done in an “upward and outward” direction.

“I recommend keeping your jade roller in the fridge for a cooling sensation that helps reduce undereye swelling and puffiness,” explains Edyta Jarosz, Lead Aesthetician at PFRANKMD Skin Salon in Manhattan. “It can be used by itself or in combination with your regular under eye creams.”

Jarosz also recommends incorporating the roller into your nightly routine after applying your skincare products. “It will boost blood circulation which plumps and firms face and help products absorb better into your skin,” she says.

To clean the roller, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and dry it with a soft towel. Avoid using very hot water at all costs, and never soak it or submerge it in water.

The Final Verdict: Does it Really Work?

For depuffing under eyes, absolutely. On occasion, I’ll store mine in the fridge like Jarosz suggested, and use it beneath my lower lash line in the morning if I’m looking particularly tired. (In my mind, it’s akin to using an icepack to reduce swelling.)

As for the other areas—forehead, cheeks, neck, and jawline—it’s hard to tell whether or not I see a noticeable difference. When I glanced in the mirror this morning, I did think that my face looked slimmer and my skin appeared smoother than usual, but there are also plenty of other factors to consider (namely, the placebo effect!)

Either way, I’ve started to really enjoy the ritual of it. There’s something incredibly calming about rolling a cold stone on your face, and the idea that it might also be pushing my pricey anti-aging products deeper into my skin? That’s reason enough for me.